Thomas Harvey "Sean" Bonniwell (August 16, 1940 – December 20, 2011) was an American singer-songwriter/guitarist, who was known as the creative force behind the 1960s garage blues and blues rock band, The Music Machine.

Also that year, Bonniwell released a solo album (Close) on Capitol Records. This recording marked a change in identity for Bonniwell, who not only chose to make gentle, sensitive music (contrasting that for which he was known), but also chose to record under the name of T.S. Bonniwell. The recording received minor label support and displeased Bonniwell enough that he left the music industry altogether. He entered a period of spiritual quest and internal soul-searching, grew a beard, sold everything he owned, and drove around the US in a Volkswagen bus.

1990s to 2000s

In 1996, Bonniwell self-published a memoir called Talk Talk, which was later revised and re-titled Beyond The Garage, published by the independent publisher Christian Vision. Several years later, Sundazed Music put out previously unreleased Music Machine material from the 1960s, along with demo recordings from The Ragamuffins. Bonniwell claimed to have written over 300 songs since 1970.

In November 2004, Bonniwell embarked on his first European Tour, performing his hits with musicians from the US and Europe.

In 2006, Bonniwell recorded his first new material in several years, as a guest musician appearing on a self-titled debut album by The Larksmen,

Death

Bonniwell died on December 20, 2011, in Visalia, California, from lung cancer. He was 71 years old.

Discography

Singles

  • "Bottom of the Soul" / "Astrologically Incompatible" (November 1967)
  • "Me-Myself, And I" / "Soul Love" (January 1968)
  • "In My Neighborhood" / "You'll Love Me Again" (April 1968)
  • "To the Light" / "You'll Love Me Again" (May 1968)
  • "Time Out (For a Daydream)" / "Tin Can Beach" (September 1968)
  • "Advise and Consent" / "Mother Nature, Father Earth" (March 1969)
  • "Where Am I to Go" / "Sleep" (June 1969) (as T.S. Bonniwell)

Albums

  • The Bonniwell Music Machine WS 1732 / W 1732 (January 1968)
  • Close (as T.S. Bonniwell) Capitol LP ST-277 (August 1969)

(Turn On) The Music Machine(album) by The Music Machine Original Sound label (1966)

References

  • Official website
  • [ Allmusic entry]
  • Richie Unterberger interview with Bonniwell
  • Interview with Bonniwell
  • Bonniwell Music Machine: Bottom Of The Soul